GK Daily Current Affairs (November 22, 2023)

Below are the November 22, 2023 current affairs useful for all competitive exams.

Bilateral 

Indo-US Joint Special Forces Exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” Commences in Meghalaya

• The 14th iteration of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces drill, named "VAJRA PRAHAR 2023," has kicked off in Umroi, Meghalaya, at the Joint Training Node. This marks a renewed dedication to bolstering military cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Army and the US Army Special Forces.
• Since its inception in 2010, Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR has been a testament to the strong partnership between the Indian Army and the US Army Special Forces. The exercise places a significant focus on the exchange of best practices and experiences, with a primary emphasis on collaborative mission planning and operational tactics. Over the years, it has evolved into a crucial platform for Special Forces personnel from both nations to work together, thereby promoting more robust defense cooperation.

National 
Union Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur Unveils 17th Edition of Film Bazaar at IFFI, Goa

• Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs & Sports, inaugurated the Film Bazaar, the largest South Asian film market hosted at Marriott Resort, Goa. This vibrant marketplace serves as a hub for ideas, attracting filmmakers, producers, and storytellers globally. Described as a convergence of creativity and commerce, the Film Bazaar establishes a fertile ground where innovative concepts and inspirations lay the foundation for a thriving cinematic market.
• Minister Thakur emphasized the robust growth of the Indian media & entertainment industry, showcasing an impressive annual growth rate of 20%.
• Acknowledged as the fifth-largest and highly globalized industry worldwide, the Film Bazaar, now in its 17th year, has evolved into an integral component of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), establishing itself as one of Asia's premier film markets.

International
China's Strategic Move: Expanding the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Sri Lanka

• In a calculated strategic move, China is actively pursuing the expansion of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) into Sri Lanka. This development signifies China's commitment to bolster its influence in South Asia through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• A meeting between President Wickremesinghe and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing solidified Sri Lanka's active involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative.
• Sri Lanka is currently finalizing a debt treatment plan with official creditors to secure the second tranche of the International Monetary Fund's nearly $3 billion package aimed at economic recovery.
• Despite China maintaining observer status in discussions with official creditors, it has chosen to remain outside the official creditors' platform, demonstrating a nuanced approach in its economic engagements.

Luc Frieden Takes Helm as Prime Minister in Luxembourg

• Luxembourg, a compact yet influential European nation, is on the brink of a notable political transformation with Luc Frieden, the former finance minister, assuming the position of prime minister. This shift follows the recent election, where Frieden's Christian Social People's Party (CSV) secured victory, reshaping the political landscape of the country.
• Notably, Xavier Bettel, who steered Luxembourg for an impressive decade, will transition to the role of foreign affairs minister.
• Gilles Roth, a member of the CSV, has been appointed as the new finance minister, entrusted with steering the economic policies crucial for Luxembourg's ongoing prosperity.

Economy
Uttar Pradesh Clinches Top Honors as Best State in Inland Fisheries

• Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of the Yogi Adityanath government, has achieved distinction by winning the prestigious 'Best State' award in inland fisheries for plain areas. The state is poised to be honored with this recognition at the forthcoming two-day Global Fisheries Conference-2023 in Delhi scheduled for November 21 and 22.
• Cabinet Minister for Fisheries, Sanjay Nishad, proudly announced this accomplishment, attributing it to the relentless efforts of the government to promote fisheries and enhance the livelihoods of fishermen.
• The success in fisheries is further underscored by the implementation of 31 projects under the Pradhan Mantri Sampada Yojna in Uttar Pradesh. A substantial sum of Rs. 15,282.5 crore has been disbursed to beneficiaries as part of these initiatives.

Awards

Perumal Murugan's 'Fire Bird' Takes Home the 2023 JCB Prize for Literature

• Renowned Tamil author Perumal Murugan has achieved a significant milestone in literature, as his novel 'Fire Bird,' expertly translated into English by Janani Kannan, clinched the prestigious 2023 JCB Prize for Literature.
• The announcement ceremony unfolded in New Delhi, graced by the virtual presence of Lord Bamford, Chairman of JCB Group. Deepak Shetty, CEO and Managing Director of JCB India Limited, personally presented the award. This accolade further solidifies Murugan's standing as a literary luminary, leaving a profound impact on both regional and global audiences.

Deepti Babuta Makes History as First Woman to Win Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature

• Deepti Babuta has left an indelible mark in literary history as the first woman to receive the prestigious Dhahan Prize, the largest international literary award for fiction in the Punjabi language. Her remarkable achievement is credited to her compelling short story collection, titled 'Bhukh Eon Sah Laindi Hai' ('Hunger Breathes Like This').
• Acknowledging outstanding contributions to Punjabi literature, two other finalists, Jameel Ahmad Paul from Lahore and Balijit from Mohali, were also honored, each receiving a prize of $10,000 CAD.
• Babuta was bestowed with a cash award of $25,000 CAD and a trophy during an awards ceremony held at the Northview Golf and Country Club in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

Sports

ICC Shifts Men’s U-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has taken a decisive step by relocating the upcoming men's Under-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa. This decision follows the ICC's provisional suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), prompted by concerns over government interference in the administration of cricket in the island nation.
• The initiative to bring attention to the government's interference in cricket operations within the country was first taken by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
• The ongoing discord between SLC and the Sports Ministry has been marked by allegations of corruption and mismanagement against SLC officials.

ICC Prohibits Transgender Players from International Women’s Cricket

• In a significant policy shift, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently instituted a ban on transgender cricketers participating in international women’s cricket at the highest level. This decision has sparked discussions regarding inclusivity, athlete rights, and the potential impact of the ban on transgender individuals.
• The move is said to align with the guidelines of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), considering cricket's inclusion in the 2008 Olympics.
• This decision follows controversy sparked by Canada's Danielle McGahey, who, just two months ago, became the first transgender cricketer to participate in an official international match.

Published date : 23 Nov 2023 11:57AM